‘Memorable Moments In Music’

SOUTHBURY — On Saturday, May 7, at 7:30 pm, Great Voices USA will present “Memorable Moments in Music” at South Britain Congregational Church.

The concert will feature soprano Christina Holms, baritone David Pershall, tenor Eric Barry and violinist Gwendolyn Howard.

Ms Holms most recently sang at St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and has performed with Edward Parks and violinist Artemis Simerson. She is always enthusiastically received wherever she performs. Christina presently studies voice with Ira Siff and Douglas Dickson.

Mr Pershall, who will graduate this spring from Yale School of Music (three-year master’s program in voice), received the David L. Kasdon Memorial Prize for the Outstanding Singer at the Yale School of Music in 2009, won first place at the Connecticut Opera Guild Competition and was semi-finalist and first place winner in the Southwest Region of the 2008 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. He performs regularly throughout the United States and Europe.

Mr Barry has set himself apart from other tenors through his signature sound, musical sincerity and ease of dramatic expression. His performances have earned him international approval, and the PBS documentary Young Opera declared him to be “the next best thing in the tenor world.” The Spanish-American tenor has been heard throughout the US and Europe, including broadcasts on National Public Radio. He will also be graduating this spring from Yale School of Music, Master’s Program.

Gwendolyn Howard is a 13-year-old violinist who lives in Westport. She studies privately with legendary violinist Aaron Rosand, as well as Christina Khimm at the pre-college division of the Manhattan School of Music where she is also concert mistress of the Repertory Orchestra. She recently placed second in the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra’s 30th Carlson-Horn Competition of Young Artists. She was also winner in   the 2011 American Chamber Orchestra concerto competition.

Accompanying all musicians will be Douglas Dickson, pianist and instructor at Yale School of Music. Mr Dickson is known for his “finely integrated oneness” with those he accompanies and has become a favorite of concertgoers at South Britain.

“Memorable Moments in Music” will feature opera arias along with some songs of Broadway and the silver screen. The acoustics at South Britain Congregational Church have delighted performers and audiences alike. Ticket holders will be invited to a post-performance reception with the performers.

Tickets are $25 each and those wishing to attend are asked to call 203-264-8448.  To charge your tickets on a credit card, call 203-255-7999.

If still available, tickets will be sold at the door.

South Britain Congregational Church is on Route 172, at the corner of East Flat Hill Road, in the South Britain section of Southbury.